My Friend Threatened Suicide – Now What?

Q: My friend has really been through a lot in the past year. One night he told me that he’s thought about just ending it all. I know he’s probably depressed, but I could never imagine him considering suicide. How can I help him?

“From the comments your friend has made, you have reason to be concerned for him.”

A: I’m always saddened when I hear of someone who feels like death is more appealing than life. Unfortunately, thousands of teens commit suicide each year in the United States. In fact, suicide was the second leading cause of death for ages 15-24 in 2015. (CDC)

From the comments your friend has made, you have reason to be concerned for him. First of all, you can help by being real and having support people for yourself, people whom you trust and with whom you can share your feelings. Then commit yourself to being a good friend, someone who will care, listen, and provide support.

Don’t be afraid to ask questions that naturally come to mind. You are helping by just being there and reminding your friend that you care. Giving advice is unnecessary. You don’t have to be his counselor, just his friend.

Here are some practical things you can do…

-Pray for your friend. -Listen more than talk. -Show concern and interest. -Talk openly and frankly, and ask, “Are you thinking about suicide?” -Share your own hurts and experiences. -Stick with your friend through this difficult time; encourage activities by inviting him places, and spend time with him. -Ask questions to get him to tell you his feelings. -Keep your friend away from alcohol and drugs. -Encourage your friend to talk with a youth pastor, counselor, or trusted adult. -Get help from parents, school counselors, crisis intervention agencies, pastors, teachers, hospitals, or doctors.

What NOT to do…

-Do not minimize your friend’s situation or belittle his feelings. -Do not debate. -Do not leave a person with means (pills, gun, etc.). -Do not be sworn to secrecy. -Do not tell him it’s dumb or stupid. -Do not agree with hopelessness. -Do not try to handle it alone. -Do not leave if you think an attempt is going to happen. -Do not challenge your friend by saying, “Go ahead, do it.”

There are many clues to look for in someone who is considering suicide, and it looks like your friend has already displayed some of these…

“Don’t feel pressured to handle this on your own or feel like you’re betraying your friend by seeking advice. Get additional help.”

These are just practical things you can do to help. If you or any of your friends are feeling this way and have had thoughts of suicide, the most important thing to do is to talk immediately with an adult you trust! Also, commit to being a good friend, someone who will care. Again, don’t feel pressured to handle this on your own or feel like you’re betraying your friend by seeking advice. Get additional help. Here is the National Suicide Hotline that is available to you 24/7: